born joseph ratzinger, he was an academic, planned to retire and write books. some criticize him as a cardinal for becoming too strict. for which he apologized. >> i express my deep sorrow to the innocent victims of this inspeakable crimes. >> reporter: during his eight years as pope, he has taken on major issues, speaking of environmental climate change, putting solar panels on the vatican. he will be pope until exactly 7:00 pm on the 28th of this month. he will eventually move into a residence in the vatican. the vatican is saying they hope to elect a new pope by the end of march before easter. according to church rules, this pope will not be able to vote for his successor because he is over the age of 80. natalie? >> michelle kosinski, following the breaking news for us. thank you. >>> los angeles police department is hoping that a $1 million reward will lead to new clues in the search for former cop christopher dorner, who is suspected of killing a police officer and a couple engaged to be married. in surveillance video obtained by nbc news, sources say dor